Rexdale Henry Photo from Facebook
A member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians was murdered while he was in the Neshoba County jail, authorities announced today. Rexdale Henry, 53, was killed on July 14, a day after he was booked into the jail. His cellmate, Justin Schlegel, 34, killed him, Sheriff Tommy Waddell told The Neshoba Democrat. The paper said Waddell refused to provide further details about an incident that has attracted widespread attention. Henry's family and friends have been seeking answers about his death but the autopsy has yet to be released. They have flown his body to Florida for a private examination.
The Neshoba County jail is located at 920 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Image from Google Maps
Henry was the second person to die in the Neshoba County jail within the past year. The widow of Michael McDougle has filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit against the county sheriff and the police department in Philadelphia, a city near the reservation. Henry was an activist and a recent candidate for tribal council. He worked at the tribe's main gaming facility. "Rexdale Henry was one of the nicest people I have ever met," a friend said on Tributes.Com. "I never once Heard him lift his voice and anger or even speak loud for that matter. He was someone everyone got along with." Rexdale Wayne Henry, 53, died on July 14, just a day after being placed in the Neshoba County jail. Get the Story:
Man charged with murder of jail inmate (The Neshoba Democrat 7/30)
Authorities waiting on final autopsy results for inmate (The Neshoba Democrat 7/29)
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